Movie Review - Facing the Giants

Movie Title

Facing the Giants

Year

2006

Genre
Sports, Drama

Story

The movie is about a Christian high school football coach who uses his undying faith to battle the giants of fear and failure. In six years of coaching, Grant Taylor has never led his Shiloh Eagles to a winning season. After learning that he and his wife Brooke face infertility, Grant discovers that a group of fathers are secretly organizing to have him dismissed as head coach. Devastated by his circumstances, he cries out to God in desperation. When Grant receives a message from an unexpected visitor, he searches for a stronger purpose for his football team. He dares to challenge his players to believe God for the impossible on and off the field. When faced with unbelievable odds, the Eagles must step up to their greatest test of strength and courage. What transpires is a dynamic story of the fight between faith and fear. Facing the Giants is a powerful experience for the whole family inspiring viewers to live with faith, hope, and love!

Acting

Since the movie was filmed and produced by Sherwood Pictures of Sherwood Baptist Church, the actors were not famous film-stars but lesser known ones - mostly church members with the associate Pastor playing Grant Taylor - the leading role. Considering that fact, acting was surprisingly good. Most of the characters spoke with a real Southern accent that initially sounded weird and needed some getting use to. Some of the minor actors had blank expressions and rather 'stale' acting but other than that it was okay.

Overall

This movie wasn't released in Malaysia and even in the States, it wasn't widely publisized due to its religious elements and considerably small production company. Of the few times I watched this movie, it never failed to move me. There were many notable quotes that were worth reflecting on. But what I like most about the show is all the lessons it teaches. Just watching how faith played such an important role that inspired victories in both Shiloh Eagles and Grant's personal life moved me. Of course, there were quite a number of hilarious moments too; not all drama. Also, the movie has a really nice soundtrack; songs by famous Christian artistes. Good movies are those that challenge you to think and see how it can apply to your life; whether famous or not. With that being said, this is definitely an inspiring movie to watch and one to remember.

Rating: 8/10

Guest Reviewer: Serene Chua